LEARNING DAILY

Zephaniah 2:3; Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.

“Like most Old Testament prophets, Zephaniah’s prophecies cover both the immediate and distant future but focus on the immediate. He saw the day of the Lord being ‘at hand’ (1:7) – ready to fall on Judah and the nations. Although aspects of the ‘day of the Lord’ that Zephaniah prophesied would be fulfilled shortly afterwards, the vision in its entirety will be realized in the more distant future” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). It is written in Zephaniah 1:12, “At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will He do ill.’” The days we live in is not a time to be complacent about our walk with the Lord! Other words for complacent are smug, satisfied, self-satisfied, unworried, and content. Relate these words to those who believe God does not punish evil and sin among His people.

Zephaniah is calling the people to seek the Lord, to humble themselves and seek righteousness and humility. God is calling His people to do this today. Matthew records Jesus words, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6). Jesus also said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33). Believers are not to be complacent in repenting of wrongdoing, words spoken in anger, and evil thoughts. Seek His righteousness and walk in humility. He warned the people of the coming day of God’s wrath; the warning for Believers today still stands as this prophetic word was for the distant future – a future that may be close to happening. The people’s response would determine their fate just as the response of Believer’s today will determine what happens to them.

Do you understand the importance of seeking the righteousness and humility of this verse in Zephaniah? The instruction is to strive for a righteous, honorable, and morally correct life. Will these life qualities be enough to provide protection or favor for the Believer when God’s judgment comes?  This verse suggests that they will. It gives me enough incentive to do all I can to live this way and do my best to live in obedience to the Word of God as I walk the narrow way into His kingdom.

It becomes a matter of prioritizing one’s spiritual journey more than personal and professional growth. Do not misunderstand these aspects of life are important – just second to choosing to seek God’s righteousness and humbling yourself to live your life according to His purposes. Again, your response will determine what happens to you.